TOPIC:

Well said guys. Honestly it is a supose to be a "fun" tournament. If you want observers on boats and all of that then please go fish the "big" tournys also. Yes we put in a lot of work to make it happen and on tournament day. No we don't get paid to do it but seeing new people meet each other swap stories, info, techniques and just hang out is why we do it.

I've been on all four sides of this sort of story. Yes - four sides (there’s a fifth) and in reality, none of it is as important as it seems at the time. The sun still comes up. The weatherman still screws the forecast and the fish sometimes bite or not.
Side one) I’m a writer - sometimes reporter. I strive for true facts. Occasionally, trying to make things fit, I’ve gotten put details like 9 rods or 12 in the story incorrectly.

Side two) I’ve had columns and articles written wholly or partially about me. Seldom is what I’ve said or done transferred to print perfectly. Learn to live with it.

Side three) I’ve been “adjacent” to some big time news stories - national in scope - that happened nearby. Plane crashes - gangsters murdered in a field behind my house. Knowing what happened and then reading about it or seeing it on the news and seeing what’s reported taught me long ago to take every account in the media with some skepticism.

Side four) I’ve been cheated in contests. Could have proved it in some cases. Strongly suspected it in others. Been subjected to what I called incorrect “calls” in others. I don’t object to tournaments, respect the guys who participate and congratulate the guys who do well, whether due to skill or luck.

Side five) Luckily, I’ve not had much to do with “fake news” or outright lies being printed. It happens. More nowadays, it seems, than it used to be.

GREG - been wondering ware-n-ell you’ve been. Thought maybe the revenoors had you locked up!